ANALYSIS OF FOOD SECURITY STATUS AMONG AGRICULTURAL HOUSEHOLDS IN THE NKOMAZI LOCAL MUNICIPALITY, SOUTH AFRICA

The study was conducted to analyse the food security status among agricultural households in Nkomazi Local Municipality, South Africa. The descriptive statistics, food security index and probit regression model were used to realise the objectives of the study. The majority of respondents were females. Furthermore, most respondents were aged between 61 and 70 years and had attained primary education level. Similarly, just under half had farming experience of more than 21 years and consisted of 6-10 household members. Although, most agricultural households in the study area were food secure, however food insecurity was very high. The marital status, education level of respondents and annual farm income were positively and significantly associated with food security. The majority of the farmers were old, had low levels of both education and farm income. Findings of this study highlight the level of food security in the study area and show that food insecurity levels amongst agricultural households was approximately twice the South African national household food insecurity. Findings presented here, provide a basis for formulation of a policy framework to help tackle the high food insecurity observed in the study area.